The Fleischmann Boom

“Is This Man Worth 20,000 Pounds a Year?”

In April, 1969, a British periodical asked that question in a headline, boggling at length over Ernest Fleischmann’s starting salary at the Los Angeles Philharmonic. At the time, it was the equivalent of roughly $50,000.

Well, times have changed. According to tax documents filed with the Registry of Charitable Trusts, Fleischmann’s package for the 1986-87 year topped $350,000.

The other employees of the Philharmonic Assn. have shared in the bonanza. The same tax documents indicate that 136 employees (most of them orchestra musicians, who average about $60,000 per year) received more than $30,000, and that 16 conductors and guest artists were paid more than $30,000, easily topped by Previn’s $501,000. When Fleischmann began his term, the average player in the orchestra received $8,000 per year, albeit for far fewer services.

Over the years, Fleischmann has negotiated some precedent-making deals with the American Federation of Musicians, particularly in the area of recording agreements.

“He’s a professional,” says Bernie Fleischer, president of Musicians Local 47. “He’s highly respected by his board, which means that even though he’s tough, at least he’s able to deliver what he negotiates. He’s very theatrical, but also very reasonable. Also, I think he genuinely likes musicians, and that always helps.”

Not all of Fleischmann’s staff--and the Philharmonic adminstrative table of organization lists 68 names--may be able to echo Previn in saying “I like working with Ernest,” but even the executive’s most blunt detractors agree that working for him and the Philharmonic has benefits, not least material ones.

“He’s fabulous if you’re in trouble,” said Dinah Daniels, a former marketing director. “He’s tremendously generous, but he always has to have the upper hand.”